The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open to the public on Friday 5 June 2026 with three exhibitions, a cafe, shop, gardens and free spaces including a Library and Creative Studio. The Centre’s opening follows the redevelopment of a derelict 18th and 19th waterworks at New River Head in Clerkenwell, London. It will be […]
The judging panel for the first ever Children’s Booker Prize has been announced. Joining current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce to select the eight books that will form the shortlist are actor, writer and comedian Lolly Adefope (best known for her role in BBC comedy drama Ghosts) and award-winning children’s bookseller, owner of the Children’s […]
The shortlist has been announced for the prestigious Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children. Founded in 2000 to commemorate prize-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase, co-founder of Walker Books, the Branford Boase Award consistently highlights the most talented new writers […]
The shortlist for the CLiPPA, CLPE Poetry Award, has been announced. Schools across the country tuned in live to hear Children’s Laureate Wales, Nicola Davies, reveal the five shortlisted collections and to enjoy live performances from the poets. The shortlist is: The Poetry World of John Agard by John Agard, illustrated by Shirley […]
The English Association has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 English 4-11 Picture Book Awards. Established in 1995, the awards are presented by the English Association to the best children’s picture books of the year. Awards are given to Fiction and Non-Fiction in age ranges 4-7 years and 7-11 years. The winning books are chosen […]
Canadian illustrator and picture book artist Jon Klassen is the recipient of the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The Swedish jury, chaired by Boel Westin emeritus professor of literature, said, ‘Through his subtle and evocative storytelling in words and pictures, Jon Klassen opens new perspectives on our place in the universe. What happens when a […]
Michael Rosen has been awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing. Presented every other year by IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, the Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books and recognizes lifelong achievement and a lasting contribution to children’s literature. […]
IBBY UK has revealed the books submitted for consideration for the 2027 Outstanding Books For Young People With Disabilities. A record number of submissions were received this year, and IBBY UK commented on the thoughtful progress publishers have made in this area, while encouraging more publishing in different formats. Eleven books (listed below) have been […]
The Ashdown Forest Foundation annual poetry competition is launced with entrants asked to write on the theme of ‘Friendship,’ inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s iconic character. Ashdown Forest was the setting for many of Milne’s classic Pooh stories and is home to the ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ and […]
The shortlists have been announced for the 2026 UKLA Book Awards. The 85 teachers who comprise the judging panel looked for high-quality children’s books that reflect all identities, promote diversity and that they can wholeheartedly recommend to other teachers who want to inspire a passion for reading for pleasure in their school. The shortlisted books […]
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups has announced Jonathan Stroud as the organisation’s inaugural patron. As patron, Jonathan will champion the FCBG and raise awareness of its work bringing children and books together. Stroud will begin his patronage via two high-profile appearances: he’ll be presenting a keynote speech at the FCBG’s annual conference in Reading […]
The shortlists for the 2026 Carnegie Medals have been announced at a special event at the London Book Fair today, 11 March. The Carnegies celebrate outstanding reading experiences in books for children and young people. They are unique in being judged by librarians, with the Shadowers’ Choice Medals voted for by thousands of reading groups […]
Alex Strick and Beth Cox have been invited to host a new Disability Inclusion and Accessibility hub at The London Book Fair this year (10 – 12 March, Olympia London). The hub (stand 2D110) will act as a base for a range of organisations and charities, all committed to ensuring children see themselves in and […]
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 Children’s Book Award. Now in its 46th year, this award remains the only national children’s book prize voted for entirely by young readers. With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, FCBG is proud to host this unique and powerful celebration of the […]
Ahead of World Book Day, and to celebrate the National Year of Reading, the School Library Association (SLA) is launching a brand-new award in collaboration with dyslexia/reluctant readers specialist Barrington Stoke. The Barrington Stoke Reader of the Year Award will celebrate young readers, recognising pupils in Year 7 and 8 who ‘have overcome challenge to […]
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Story Museum has launched 1001 Stories, a brand new, free to access story resource for everyone. Launching during the National Year of Reading, 1001 Stories serves as the digital treasure chest of The Story Museum, an ever-growing online collection celebrating the power of stories in all their […]
The winners of this year’s ALCS Annual Awards, hosted by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), have been announced. The ALCS Annual Awards celebrate significant contributions to literacy, creativity and educational writing. Of the three honours presented, two are in the children’s book world: the ALCS Educational Writers’ Award in association with the Society […]
The winners of the Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2026 have been announced. The Awards celebrate the best UK-published inclusive children’s books for ages 1 to 9, and the winning titles reflect the breadth of children’s lives and experiences. For the second time since the awards were launched in 2023, there is an all-female roster […]
Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.
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